Marvelous vs. Marvellous — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 4, 2024
Marvelous and marvellous represent the same concept of wonder and awe, differing only in their spelling—marvelous is American English, while marvellous is British English.
Difference Between Marvelous and Marvellous
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Marvelous, spelled with one "l," is the American English version of the word, denoting something filled with wonder, extraordinary, or exceptionally good. It is commonly used in the United States in both spoken and written language, reflecting the American English spelling conventions that often simplify words. On the other hand, Marvellous, spelled with two "l"s, adheres to British English standards, used in the UK and other countries following British English norms. This spelling variation mirrors the broader linguistic differences between American and British English, which include not only spelling but also vocabulary and, occasionally, pronunciation differences.
Both terms are used to describe things that inspire awe or admiration, whether because of beauty, skill, or outstanding qualities. For example, one might describe a stunning natural landscape as marvelous/marvellous or praise a particularly impressive performance with the same adjective. The choice between marvelous and marvellous typically depends on the regional or national standards of English being used, with no difference in meaning or usage beyond spelling.
The spelling of marvelous/marvellous can signal the author's background or the intended audience's variant of English. Similarly, in education, students are taught to use the spelling consistent with the version of English they are learning, ensuring uniformity and adherence to regional linguistic norms. This distinction is particularly important in formal writing and publishing, where consistency in language use is key to clarity and professionalism.
Despite the spelling differences, the pronunciation of marvelous and marvellous is virtually identical in most English dialects, emphasizing the linguistic principle that spelling variations often have little impact on spoken language. The choice between these spellings reflects broader cultural and historical influences on English language development, illustrating how language evolves and diversifies across regions while maintaining a shared core of understanding.
Comparison Chart
Spelling
Marvelous
Marvellous
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Usage Regions
United States
United Kingdom, Commonwealth countries
Meaning
Extraordinary, inspiring wonder
Identical to marvelous
Contexts of Use
General admiration, exceptional quality
Same as marvelous, with regional spelling preference
Example Sentence
E.g., The view from the mountain was marvelous.
E.g., The performance was marvellous.
Compare with Definitions
Marvelous
Inspiring wonder.
The magician's act was marvelous.
Marvellous
Causing great wonder.
The marvellous landscape took our breath away.
Marvelous
Beyond ordinary.
The technology demonstrated was truly marvelous.
Marvellous
Remarkably good.
The project's success was marvellous.
Marvelous
Extremely beautiful.
We had a marvelous view of the sunset.
Marvellous
Extremely pleasing.
It was a marvellous feeling to win the award.
Marvelous
Exceptionally good.
She baked a marvelous cake for the party.
Marvellous
Exceptionally beautiful.
The art exhibit was absolutely marvellous.
Marvelous
Surprisingly impressive.
His recovery was nothing short of marvelous.
Marvellous
Of excellent quality.
The chef prepared a marvellous meal.
Marvelous
Causing wonder or astonishment.
Marvellous
Marvellous is a British drama television film that was first broadcast on BBC Two on 25 September 2014. The 90-minute film, directed by Julian Farino and written by Peter Bowker, is about the life of Neil Baldwin, from Westlands, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire.In the 1990s Baldwin, now an honorary graduate of Keele University, was appointed as Stoke City Football Club's kit-man by its manager Lou Macari.
Marvelous
Exciting wonder or surprise; astonishing; wonderful.
This is the Lord's doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.
Marvellous
Causing great wonder; extraordinary
These marvellous technological toys are fun to play with
Marvelous
Of the highest or best kind or quality; first-rate
Has a marvelous collection of rare books.
Marvellous
Causing wonder or astonishment.
Marvellous
Of the highest or best kind or quality; first-rate
Has a marvelous collection of rare books.
Common Curiosities
Can marvelous and marvellous be used interchangeably?
Yes, they can be used interchangeably in terms of meaning, but the choice of spelling should match the variant of English being used.
What is the difference between marvelous and marvellous?
The difference is purely in spelling: "marvelous" is American English, while "marvellous" is British English.
Why do some English words have different spellings in American and British English?
Differences in spelling reflect historical, cultural, and linguistic developments that have diverged between American and British English over time.
How should I decide which spelling to use in my writing?
Choose the spelling that aligns with the English variant you are using or the one expected by your audience or publication standards.
Is there any difference in pronunciation between the two?
No, there is virtually no difference in pronunciation between marvelous and marvellous in most English dialects.
Does using one spelling over the other affect the meaning of a sentence?
No, the meaning of a sentence is not affected by the choice between American and British spelling variations.
Is one spelling considered more correct than the other?
No, both spellings are correct within their respective versions of English.
Will using British spelling in American contexts (or vice versa) be considered a mistake?
In formal writing, it may be marked as an inconsistency, but in informal contexts, it's generally understood that such variations are a matter of regional preference.
How do educational systems approach teaching these spelling differences?
Educational systems typically teach the spelling conventions of the version of English used in their country or curriculum.
Are there any rules for when to use American vs. British spelling?
The main rule is to be consistent with the version of English you are using or that is expected in the context of your writing.
Are there other examples of words with similar American and British spelling differences?
Yes, there are many examples, such as "color/colour" and "honor/honour."
Can spelling variations impact English language learners?
Yes, learners may find spelling variations confusing at first, but understanding regional differences becomes part of mastering the language's nuances.
Do publishers have preferences for American or British spelling?
Yes, publishers usually have specific guidelines that prefer either American or British spelling, depending on their primary audience.
How do digital platforms handle spelling differences?
Many digital platforms, such as word processors and websites, allow users to select their preferred version of English, adjusting spell checks accordingly.
Are there any movements to standardize English spelling?
While there are occasional discussions about standardizing spelling, the rich diversity of English spelling is largely seen as a reflection of the language's global reach and historical depth.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
